GerberGear StrongArm Knife - Fixed Blade - Tactical Knife for Survival Gear - Full Tang, 420HC Steel Blade - Camping Survival Knife - Made in USA - Plain edge, Coyote Brown

The Gerber Gear Strongarm Fixed Blade Tactical Knife (Coyote Brown, Plain Edge) is a rugged, versatile knife that’s been a staple in my outdoor kit, and it’s easy to see why it’s Gerber’s best-selling fixed blade. If you’re into survival, camping, or tactical gear, this knife is a solid choice that balances durability, functionality, and affordability.Why It’s a Standout: The Strongarm’s 4.8-inch, full-tang 420HC stainless steel blade with a black ceramic coating is tough as nails, holding a sharp edge through heavy use like batoning wood or slicing kindling. The plain edge is ideal for precise cuts, from prepping food to crafting feathersticks, and the 0.19-inch thick sabre grind clip point adds strength without excess weight. The coyote brown rubberized diamond-texture grip feels secure, even in wet conditions, and reduces hand fatigue during prolonged tasks—one Amazon reviewer called it “ergonomic and rutschfest” (non-slip) after hours of use. The striking pommel at the base is a lifesaver for breaking hard surfaces in emergencies, making it a true survival tool. At 7.1 oz and 9.8 inches overall, it’s compact yet substantial, perfect for camping, bushcraft, or tactical scenarios.The Highlights: The MOLLE-compatible sheath is a game-changer, offering vertical carry on MOLLE gear, horizontal belt carry (1.75-inch belts), or traditional drop-leg mounting with snap-together components—no noisy Velcro here, just secure snaps. The 90-degree spine throws sparks from a ferro rod (like the bayite 4-inch one sold alongside it on Amazon) without modification, unlike some Ka-Bar models. Made in the USA with a limited lifetime warranty, it’s built to last, with reviews praising its ability to “hold up under moderate abuse” after years of use. Priced at $70-$90 on Amazon or Gerber’s site, it’s a steal compared to boutique knives costing twice as much, as one user noted: “Pay twice for 1% better? No thanks, this is a great knife.” The coyote brown finish blends seamlessly into outdoor environments, adding a stealthy aesthetic.The Downsides: It’s not flawless. The 420HC steel, while rust-resistant and great for wet environments (like near water, as one buyer used it on a lifejacket), isn’t as easy to resharpen as 1095 steel, which bushcrafters might prefer for frequent honing. The sheath’s snap-together design, while innovative, has been called “grob verarbeitet” (roughly stitched) by some, with light-duty snaps that could wear out over time—Etsy offers custom Kydex replacements for a reason. For bushcraft tasks like batoning or feathersticking, the tapered tip and shorter flat spine (about 3 inches) make it less ideal than dedicated survival knives, as one reviewer found it “awkward for carving.” Also, beware of fakes flooding the market—stick to trusted sellers like Amazon’s Gerber store or Pattern Professional to avoid counterfeits, as one user warned after spotting knockoffs online.Final Thoughts: The Gerber Strongarm (Coyote Brown, Plain Edge) is a tough, dependable fixed-blade knife that excels in survival, tactical, and camping scenarios. Its full-tang build, versatile sheath, and ergonomic grip make it a fantastic value, though it’s not the best for intricate bushcraft or heavy batoning. I’d rate it a 4.5/5—excellent for most outdoor tasks, but the sheath’s durability and steel choice could be slight drawbacks. Pair it with a ferro rod and the FUNANASUN Bore Rope for a complete survival kit, and buy from a reputable source to ensure authenticity. If you need a no-nonsense knife that’s ready for anything, the Strongarm’s your guy. Just practice your sharpening skills for that 420HC edge

It’s great. If you don’t have one you should get one Just in case.

Great knife, great price. Absolutely zero complaints

Great knife! Great sheath! I don't know why some people talk bad about the sheath. The knife fits very well and there are numerous options for carry without doing too much. The molle mount option works great for a plate carrier. The knife itself it sharp and made from good metal for the purpose of the knife. THE PURPOSE OF THE KNIFE. Some people get silly with their opinions on knife steel because they've read multiple forum posts and articles and think they know what's best for every knife. Sorry, you're not as much of an expert as you think you are. If you want some very specific metal that's going to be 1% superior in some specific circumstance over the life of the knife, go for it. Pay twice as much for your special knife from a boutique company. Get out of here. This is a great knife.That said, BEWARE OF FAKES. The market is flooded with fakes, but there are numerous videos online telling you how to spot the fakes. I got a legit knife from the Gerber store here on Amazon. Don't buy from questionable sources for "50% off deals."

I love this knife, great weight rubber handle it’s a great knife and worth the money

Good, strong knife. I feel like I can pry a door open with it and have it come out no worse for wear. Actual full tang as advertised, unlike some knives that advertise a full tang and only have a 1/2" strip of metal encompassed by a grip. "Glass breaker" pommel which is alright I guess, I know I wouldn't want to get hit by it. The edge had a short 3/16" jagged section right where it transitions toward the grip. Doesn't bother me much, I bought this to be a generic camp knife. The grip is profile is flatter than most knivesThe sheath tries to do too much and suffers for it. The knife itself feels secure in the sheath, I really have no fear of it falling out. If I carry it normally (handle straight up), it flops around badly. Wearing it sideways doesn't work as I wear a Magpul Tejas belt and the belt is too thick for the clips on the back. The only decent way for me to carry this thing would be to strap it to something or change to a thinner belt and wear it sideways. This isn't as big a deal as it's likely going to live in my camping box.

It’s a really well made knife. So durable and made in the USA!